1. Astros. :-( And you wouldn’t believe how passionately I hope I’m wrong.
2. MVP: Howard, unless a miracle happens and we win the division; in that case, Pujols, who “should” win either way. CY: Webb, with Carp having a tiny chance if he gets another start and throws a gem. RotY: Uggla, although he’s not really the top rookie. MotY: Randolph, and in a rare bit of lucidity, the voters will actually get this one right.

4. Among the moves actually made, signing Encarnacion was the best of a thoroughly smelly, bad lot. Better is the “non-move” of not dealing Reyes or Wainwright for some mediocrity of a certain age — which I was convinced was going to happen all the way up to the deadline. Worst move: the awful Luna/Belliard deal, continuing the all-too-common practice of mortgaging the future for expedient mediocrity. Generally, though, Jocketty has little to be proud of this year.

5. To me personally, it’s the small piece of ground occupied by Stan Musial’s statue, but realistically, Cooperstown.

6. Complete disinterest in this one.

7. Believe it or not, an obscure place in Moscow(!) — yes, THAT Moscow — and possibly only because of its contrast to the awful places I ate at on the remainder of that Russian trip.

4. best – Speizio if only for the red goatee. wish everyone was as proud to play for the cards. worst – Ponson?

5. Cameron Indoor (and I’m a ‘Heels fan)

6. kill your television

7. stateside: Scoozi in Chicago; not for the food but the atmosphere. Abroad: Pizzeria Tramonti in Monteverde, Costa Rica, for something unexpected (and good memories). Make-believe: the brothers’ small authentic restaurant in “Big Night”

1. Stros. The Birds are cooked and so is Tony. (Whenever his teams have won, the players had exceptional seasons. He’s never actually managed his way to a title in his career.) Hire Girardi. He’ll be available in about four games.

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